5 research outputs found
Reaching within a dynamic virtual environment
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A “virtually minimal” visuo-haptic training of attention in severe traumatic brain injury
Background: Although common during the early stages of recovery from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI),
attention deficits have been scarcely investigated. Encouraging evidence suggests beneficial effects of attention
training in more chronic and higher functioning patients. Interactive technology may provide new opportunities for
rehabilitation in inpatients who are earlier in their recovery.
Methods: We designed a “virtually minimal” approach using robot-rendered haptics in a virtual environment to train
severely injured inpatients in the early stages of recovery to sustain attention to a visuo-motor task. 21 inpatients with
severe TBI completed repetitive reaching toward targets that were both seen and felt. Patients were tested over two
consecutive days, experiencing 3 conditions (no haptic feedback, a break-through force, and haptic nudge) in 12
successive, 4-minute blocks.
Results: The interactive visuo-haptic environments were well-tolerated and engaging. Patients typically remained
attentive to the task. However, patients exhibited attention loss both before (prolonged initiation) and during (pauses
during motion) a movement. Compared to no haptic feedback, patients benefited from haptic nudge cues but not
break-through forces. As training progressed, patients increased the number of targets acquired and spontaneously
improved from one day to the next.
Conclusions: Interactive visuo-haptic environments could be beneficial for attention training for severe TBI patients in
the early stages of recovery and warrants further and more prolonged clinical testing